Millions of eligible households never claim this benefit, mostly because they have never heard of it. Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. With many participating carriers, the discount covers the whole plan, and a smartphone is included when you enroll.
What You Can Get
- A smartphone at no cost with many carriers
- Free monthly talk, text and data on plans fully covered by the discount
- Up to $9.25 off your monthly phone or internet bill
- Up to $34.25 off per month if you live on qualifying Tribal lands
- No credit check and no annual contract
You May Already Qualify
If you or someone in your household receives one of these, you can usually qualify:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal assistance programs
No benefits? You can also qualify by income. In 2026 the limit is $21,546 a year for one person and $44,550 for a family of four.
Before You Apply, Know These 4 Things
Qualifying is only the first part. Most delays and denials come from small details that the next page explains:
- Which carriers include a phone and which only give the service discount
- The exact documents that get accepted, and the common mistake that sends applications back
- The step most people skip after they are approved, which leaves them without a phone
- The two rules that keep your service active, so your line is not shut off later
The full guide walks you through each step, with the 2026 income table for every household size.
Informational content. We are not part of any government agency or phone carrier. Eligibility is decided by the official Lifeline program.